The South-South Physically Challenged Indigenes (SSPCI) has announced plans to establish a five-member committee to facilitate reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalaiye Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
This move, the group, in a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Friday, said, aims to promote peace and stability in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in a political crisis.
Recall that the political tension in Rivers State escalated prior to the declaration of a State of Emergency by President Bola Tinubu, with the suspended Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, at the centre of the conflict.
Addressing newsmen, the Executive Chairman, SSPCI Rivers State Chapter, Altraide Etekena, expressed concerns that the prolonged crisis has destabilised governance in the state, adversely affecting persons living with disabilities.
He disclosed that the committee will engage with key stakeholders, including the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and President Tinubu, to advocate against extending the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
He also emphasised that the emergency rule should not exceed the stipulated six-month period.
He said, “We will establish a five-member PWD committee to facilitate reconciliation between Governor Siminalaiye Fubara, his legislative colleagues, and Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
“This committee will also engage with Sole Administrator Ibas, the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and President Tinubu to advocate against the extension of the emergency rule in our dear state.”
The group also urged the Sole Administrator to remain neutral in the peace restoration process and ensure that persons with disabilities are included in his administration, recognising them as special beneficiaries, emphasising that the call for inclusivity underscores their commitment to promoting the rights and interests of PWDs in governance.
He, however, expressed their willingness to work with and support the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, citing his proven track record of excellence in leadership and development, saying they believe his leadership will foster peace, harmony, and constitutional relations between the warring arms of government in Rivers State.
He added: “We urge Sole Administrator Ibas to ensure that he maintains unbiased judgment in his responsibility. And that PWDs are included in his pro tem administration and are recognised as special beneficiaries.
“We acknowledge President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the legislature and executive in Rivers State, provided it does not exceed the stipulated six-month period.
“We urge President Tinubu to undertake a genuine overhaul of the Nigerian judicial system to meet public expectations.
“We call upon the NBA to fulfil its role as a vigilant watchdog of the judicial system and governance. The issues in Rivers State could have been mitigated if the NBA had been proactive rather than focused solely on revenue generation and ill-aggrandisement.
“We have unanimously resolved to work and support the appointment of Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-EteEkwelbas, CFR, in achieving a presidential mandate as well as foster peace, harmonious and constitutional relations between the warring arms of government in Rivers State. As a community, we believe in the capabilities of the Sole Administrator Ibas, given his proven track record of excellence in leadership and development. We further support all appointments made by him, as they target effective governance during the declared emergency rule.”
Also, Etekena called for a genuine overhaul of the Nigerian judicial system to meet public expectations. Additionally, they urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to fulfil its role as a vigilant watchdog of the judicial system and governance, rather than focusing solely on revenue generation.
